Originally Posted By nancydrew I keep hearing that December is now BUSY @ WDW....true ???? We are going Dec 8-15.
Originally Posted By Autopia Deb The last week of Dec is the busiest of the year. My understanding is, the closer you get to Christmas the busier.
Originally Posted By jodiefra We were there Dec 1 - 10 last year and were a little surprised at how crowded it was. There were a lot of Brits there, so maybe it was a holiday for them. We also hit the beginning of the Pop Warner football championships, so we saw lots of large groups of students. We did hear that the week after Pop Warner is less crowded, then it gets more crowded as Christmas gets closer. It wasn't ever miserable, but I also think there were a lot of locals there for holiday decorations. I guess I was naive enough to think I was the only one Disney-crazy enough to take my kids out of school for a week : ). On the plus side, the weather was beautiful most of the time and it was definitely possible to reduce wait times with early entry, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, and fastpasses. We still didn't wait long for anything, but we did need advanced seating reservations just about every sit-down meal. Have a great time -- the place is Beautiful that time of year and the weather can vary but usually isn't close to the oppressive summer heat. Enjoy!
Originally Posted By Boardwalkbum >>There were a lot of Brits there, so maybe it was a holiday for them<< Always are alot of UK visitors. Particularly in the Fall/Winter. The exchange rate is very favorable and the weather a vast improvement.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss Don't get your knickers twisted up worrying about the crowds; it's not worth fretting over. Really. Have a great time.
Originally Posted By Kennesaw Tom I was there the first weekend in December and the crowds were VERY manageable. The parks tended to be fine in the morning and then busier in the late afternoon, early evening. December is an incredible time to go to WDW. All of the resorts are decorated. EPCOT is all dressed up with activities and events. About the only park that doesn't seem "touched" is the Magic Kingdom, but then there is always Mickey Very Merry Christmas Party. Drawbacks; its get darker early, the parks close at earlier hours ( unlike other times of the year then the parks (( with the exception of DAK )) are open much, much later ), you have no idea what the weather is going to be like hot? cold? you have to dress for it all, walking into a restraunt to eat is virtually impossible now with the resevations booked months in advance, plan to spend a lot of time shopping as not every store may have the Disney item you would expect to find ( aka Disney Christmas Cards), doesn't even think of enjoying a water ride ( yes that means Splash Mountain ) or visiting a water park unless your a polar bear. Other than that... I still say its absoletely one of the most Magical times to be at WDW.
Originally Posted By danyoung I think attendence year round is getting a little more similar as Disney learns how to manipulate thier "off" seasons. But I really love the first week of December. All of the lights and Christmas shows are in full bloom, and in my experience the crowds are not at all unmanageable. Go for it - it's a great time of year to visit!
Originally Posted By KCCHIEF We were there the 2nd week of December...the closer to Christmas..the busier...but you could not beat the weather...and the crowds were not bad..
Originally Posted By Spirit of 74 <<I think attendence year round is getting a little more similar as Disney learns how to manipulate thier "off" seasons.>> Yes. There really are no truly off-season times anymore. I remember when WDW came out withe the three season salute passes (the precursors to Seasonal Passes) that were good for unlimited admission in January, May and September ... the three slowest months of the year. October also used to be DEAD. MK closed EVERY night at 6 or 7 p.m. Epcot closed at 8 during the week. November and December, except for Thanksgiving week, were very dead, until the Mouse started marketing those godawful Christmas parties. But, yeah, they've become a place that only has slightly busy, busy, uncomfortably busy and are you outta your mind, do you see how many people are here?!? busy seasons.
Originally Posted By eeyorelover We were thinking of planning a trip in December. Due to school and work commitments we would have to travel the week between Christmas and New Years. Is this an impossible time with crowds or would we be able to enjoy ourselves?
Originally Posted By danyoung I've never been there during that week, but I have been during some times when the crowds were so large that for me it really was impossible to enjoy myself. When it's a 20 minute fight through the masses just to get from one land to another, to say nothing of 60 to 90 minute lines for everything - well, sometimes it just isn't worth it. If someone gave me a free trip during the last week of December I'd probably take it. But I'd never ever plan to visit during that week.
Originally Posted By mickeymad Everything that I have read on www.touringplans.com said that it shouldn't be too bad. We are going from the 8th to the 23rd and I plan to make sure we do everything once in the first week to make sure if the second week is busier at least we have done all the main things.We are going to enjoy all the Christmas festivities and are determined to enjoy it all no matter how crowded it is.Have no expectation of crowds and you can't be dissapointed!!!
Originally Posted By TigerKat The best part about going during that time of year are the holiday decorations everywhere. If you have time you should visit as many resorts as you possibly can. They are amazing!!
Originally Posted By MinnieSummer I honestly can't think of one con for going this time of year. The crowds are much more manageable than later in the month or during the summer. The weather is great although it can be extreme ie 70's one day and 40's another. The parks and resorts are beautiful with holiday decorations and the holiday festivities are worth the trip by themselves.
Originally Posted By u k fan I've been several times in December and it's a great time to visit. I have noticed it getting progressively busier each time, but still managable and the weather is lovely (especially for a Brit). With the Dining Plan in operation I would recommend that you book any special meals in advance. We were turned away from Table Service restaurants a couple of times last year. I did once make the mistake of visiting MK on Xmas Day. It took 30 mins to get from the passageway connecting Adventureland with Frontierland to the Liberty Tree Tavern for Dinner. Although the meal was worth it. I think they seat according to when you booked (or at least used to) and as I'd booked as soon as I could we got a great table!!!
Originally Posted By jodiefra teddy, The 8 - 15th might be the best in December because Pop Warner should be over and the Christmas crowds aren't in full swing. Have a great time!!!!
